As many of you know, I spent 6 weeks in South Africa with Luke over the Christmas period. Well actually, after a nasty bout of stomach flu and a postponed flight home, it turned into more like 6 and a half weeks.
It was wonderful to see my family, and more importantly for them to have that time with Luke...though I am sure they had their fill by the time we left. LOL
The first week back home was a nightmare. I was so far beyond exhaustion after the 6 weeks in SA, the stomach flu and then the 30 hour journey back with Luke... all I could think about was a warm shower, and a LOONNG few nights in bed, catching up on some much needed sleep, but that wasn't on the cards.
Luke was sick within a few hours of getting home. He had a burning fever of 102.4'F and was just feeling awful.
As it turned out, he had a cold, and ear infection #4 in less than 3 months. So we were on to round 4 of antibiotics for the same silly ear. It seems with each infection, he gets sicker. This time was by far the worst. He didn't sleep for more than a few minutes at a time day and night for a week...and he only had those little cat naps while we were holding him. It was a LONG week, of round the clock parenting. Jake and I slept in shifts. I would get a few hours in the evening, and then be on night duty when Jake went to bed. I was so happy when Luke finally got over this terrible sleep disruption and illness and started sleeping again. The last 3 or so nights have been a great improvement, and we are all feeling much better.
Aside from the rough start coming home, I must just say that I was absolutely thrilled to be back home.
Yes, I just referred to the USA as 'HOME'
It may not be my country of birth, or the land that my family live in, but I can definitely say that I have made my home here. Obviously having my own house, and little family here play the biggest part in making it home, but whatever the reason, I love being home.
A great winter picture of our home taken by Jake
I loved seeing my family, and I loved watching them interact with Luke, and I really do wish we could all live closer together, but that said, I think this trip to South Africa has made me realise how great my life in the USA is, how blessed I am here and that I really don't wish to live in South Africa again. Life there is hard, living is expensive, crime is high and I have found a comfort in living where I live. I feel safe, I have everything that I need, and life is good. (on most days. Lol)
It was wonderful to see my family, and more importantly for them to have that time with Luke...though I am sure they had their fill by the time we left. LOL
The first week back home was a nightmare. I was so far beyond exhaustion after the 6 weeks in SA, the stomach flu and then the 30 hour journey back with Luke... all I could think about was a warm shower, and a LOONNG few nights in bed, catching up on some much needed sleep, but that wasn't on the cards.
Luke was sick within a few hours of getting home. He had a burning fever of 102.4'F and was just feeling awful.
As it turned out, he had a cold, and ear infection #4 in less than 3 months. So we were on to round 4 of antibiotics for the same silly ear. It seems with each infection, he gets sicker. This time was by far the worst. He didn't sleep for more than a few minutes at a time day and night for a week...and he only had those little cat naps while we were holding him. It was a LONG week, of round the clock parenting. Jake and I slept in shifts. I would get a few hours in the evening, and then be on night duty when Jake went to bed. I was so happy when Luke finally got over this terrible sleep disruption and illness and started sleeping again. The last 3 or so nights have been a great improvement, and we are all feeling much better.
Aside from the rough start coming home, I must just say that I was absolutely thrilled to be back home.
Yes, I just referred to the USA as 'HOME'
It may not be my country of birth, or the land that my family live in, but I can definitely say that I have made my home here. Obviously having my own house, and little family here play the biggest part in making it home, but whatever the reason, I love being home.
I loved seeing my family, and I loved watching them interact with Luke, and I really do wish we could all live closer together, but that said, I think this trip to South Africa has made me realise how great my life in the USA is, how blessed I am here and that I really don't wish to live in South Africa again. Life there is hard, living is expensive, crime is high and I have found a comfort in living where I live. I feel safe, I have everything that I need, and life is good. (on most days. Lol)
The trip also made me realise how much marriage changes you. I didn't quite realise until I was alone in SA with Luke, just how much I depend on my wonderful husband. A few years ago, when I would get sick, my mom was the one who made me feel better, and I always wanted her to be around. When I had my nasty bout of stomach flu in SA, I just so badly wanted Jake to be there. (Mom of course filled in for Jake, but I still just really wanted him by my side, because I knew he would take care of me and make me feel better).
I have also realised just how much I trust Jake as a father. While in South Africa, although my family was wonderful at helping out with Luke and giving me a break once in a while, It wasn't the same as Jake watching him. Even though I know that my family is 100% capable of caring for Luke and I trust them completely, I could just never rest easy without still keeping an ear open for him. When Jake cares for Luke and lets me sleep or whatever, I am able to completely switch off and forget about my responsibilities as 'mommy' for those couple hours.
I suppose things have happened the way nature intended. You grow up, leave your family and make a family of your own.
I really am very grateful for my husband, my son, and my home. I am truly blessed in everything that I have.
I have also realised just how much I trust Jake as a father. While in South Africa, although my family was wonderful at helping out with Luke and giving me a break once in a while, It wasn't the same as Jake watching him. Even though I know that my family is 100% capable of caring for Luke and I trust them completely, I could just never rest easy without still keeping an ear open for him. When Jake cares for Luke and lets me sleep or whatever, I am able to completely switch off and forget about my responsibilities as 'mommy' for those couple hours.
I suppose things have happened the way nature intended. You grow up, leave your family and make a family of your own.
I really am very grateful for my husband, my son, and my home. I am truly blessed in everything that I have.
Just a P.S
I LOVE MY WASHING MACHINE. Lol
Here are some more pictures from South Africa
Us on Jubilee Square in Simons Town
Playing with Gogga at our picnic at Spier
Splashing in the river with Daddy
3 comments:
Luke is growing so lovely. I agree that there is no place like home and I don't think that SA will ever be home for me again. We have not been back to SA in almost 3 years and maybe I will feel differant when I go back, but for now home is here in the UK with my little family and my little flat.
I'm glad you're home and everyone is better. I love your haircut in the family photo. Very cute - all of you. But I cannot believe you posted a picture of Jake urinating!!! Kelly would have my head for doing that! Jake must really love you. Marriage is an amazing thing.
Yikes! Way too much info on the picture of Jake! That is NOT a picture someone would ever like to see of their brother, or anyone else for that matter. Glad you guys are back!
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